This entire article will be dealing with the principles of judo. “”The bigger they are, the harder they fall”", this is the phrase that defines what judo is all about. Judo is based on the scientific principle of leverage and balance. This means that a bigger and stronger man can easily be defeated by a small and weak man.
First principle is strength must not be countered with strength. Otherwise, the stronger man, of course, will be the winner. Remember that a man is strong because of his balance. Without his balance, he is weak and if you have retained your own balance to gain advantage of this weakness. It is said that a man is in balance if he stands upright and there is a small circle drawn around his feet as his center of gravity. Before a throw can be executed, you must offset his balance by taking his center of gravity out of this circle. The center of gravity referred to here is the fulcrum or the point on which you, as opponent, could put him out of balance.
Another principle is the action of levers. It is common knowledge that it is much easier to lift a heavy object by using a crowbar under it. If you apply this to judo, you will understand that the wider apart your hands are gripping your opponent, the bigger your advantage. This will be applied in throws. The key is get as much leverage as you can. Of course, the direction of pulls and the timing of your attacks also matter a lot.
Gravity, friction and momentum are some of the natural forces of physics that a judo expert uses. Knowing this, you will know that judo isn’t all about muscular force.
Now let us consider the application of the force of gravity in judo. You will have a hard time moving your enemy horizontally or vertically the heavier he is. But a greater pull on him can make him fall easily. The opponent is already pulled by gravity on a downward direction. All you have to do is make him lose his balance by causing his center of gravity move from its base and viola, the gravity works for you as you pull him down to the ground.
Let’s stay you are face to face with an opponent, standing. When the opponent is advancing toward you, you withdraw as much as he advances. When he is physically unable to advance his foot further, he will be forced to lean forward, thus, losing his balance. You can take advantage of the gravity pull and throw him.”
Interested in learning Judo? Aside from getting a good instructor, you need to get a judo uniform you can be comfortable in. There are many stores selling judo uniforms these days but you have to choose something that lets you move with maximum ease. You’re going to need that in your game.